Fast Track Your Teaching Career
We offer an affordable pathway to becoming a teacher!
Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher is an initiative focused on preparing future teachers and reducing barriers to earning a graduate degree. Through this unique pathway, you can serve as a Reading Corps tutor while earning your teaching license and Master's of Education (MEd) degree from the University of Minnesota.
Anyone with a bachelor's degree can apply and no teaching or education experience is necessary! Hands-on support and coaching is provided throughout the program. All are welcome, whether you're thinking of changing careers or just finished college.
The application deadline for the 2025 fall semester is March 31, 2025. There's limited space - apply early to guarantee your spot!
How it Works
You’ll serve as a Reading Corps tutor in a local school and help K-3 students learn to read. At the same time, you’ll complete University of Minnesota coursework, student teach, and conduct field work to complete your license and degree. See the full position description to learn more.
Year 1
- Serve as a Reading Corps tutor 35 hours a week
- Complete 18 credits of coursework
- Fulfill 100 hours of field experience
Year 2
- Serve half days as a Reading Corps tutor and spend the other half student teaching
- Complete 18 credits of coursework
*Note for AmeriCorps members: If you are already serving in an AmeriCorps program, including Reading Corps, you need at least two terms of service left to apply.
Get paid while earning your degree and save on tuition!
Earning your teaching license and Master’s of Education from the University of Minnesota is made possible through an innovative partnership between Reading Corps and the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
As part of the 2-year program you will:
- Serve as a Reading Corps tutor during the school year and earn about $20 per hour served
- Receive a tuition discount of $3,000 (total cost of the program is $21,600)
- Qualify for the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award (up to $5,176 awarded annually after successfully completing each year)
- Access generous scholarships available through the University of Minnesota
FAQs
Am I eligible for this program?
Our members come from diverse backgrounds and experiences – from recent college graduates to career changers! That said, it’s important that you meet the following qualifications:
- Have a bachelor’s degree (any subject)
- Have at least 2 remaining years of AmeriCorps service (served 2 or less terms)
- Have some experience with children (paid or unpaid)
- Be committed to 2 years of service and ability to travel 1x monthly to campus
Can I live in Greater Minnesota and participate in this program?
Yes! The initiative is open to individuals across the state — both in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
What is the in-person commitment?
In-person classes are held one weekend per month at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus. Members who travel 60+ miles are eligible for mileage reimbursement, meal per diem, and hotel accommodations.
What are the benefits?
As part of Reading Corps and the Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher initiative, you’ll receive:
- A stiped of $1,150 paid every 2 weeks
- Up to $5,176 for tuition or student loans for each term of service
- Generous scholarships secured by the University of Minnesota
- Mileage reimbursement, meal per diem, and hotel accommodations for weekend classes (for those 60+ miles away from campus)
When will I receive the education award?
A benefit of AmeriCorps service, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is granted when you successfully complete your service term. You can apply the award to educational costs, such as federal student loans, college tuition, educational supplies, etc. You have seven years to use your award.
How does the application process work?
We have a two-step application process:
- Apply through the University of Minnesota and complete the interview process by March 31, 2025. The university will share final decision regarding applicants on May 31, 2025.
- Complete the Reading Corps application and interview process. Applications officially opens on March 18, 2025. Check back here for details.
If accepted, service will begin in August 2025. Have specific questions about applying or need support? Email CareerPathways@Ampact.US.
HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY
Crystal Loken
“People in the university, people in the school district, and my Reading Corps supervisors were all very supportive. I would recommend it – I think it’s a really fabulous first step to being a teacher.”
Kelly Collar
“I was as prepared as I possibly could have been: I had all of that time in the classroom, working with kids, practicing those skills, and building those relationships. There’s no perfect way to get into teaching, but this is probably as good as it gets.”